HC Deb 05 May 1931 vol 252 cc211-2
Viscount ELMLEY

asked the Minister of Labour whether any special instructions have been sent to Labour Exchanges in rural areas that unemployed agricultural workers shall be given preference in obtaining work on new road schemes in view of the agricultural depression? the entrance to the harbour would be dangerous if the breakwater were completed at the shorter length. I was also advised that this length would give most valuable additional shelter. In view, however, of the representations made to me by my right hon. Friend, who has taken so active an interest in this matter, I had recourse to my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty and obtained an independent opinion from a harbour engineer of the Admiralty, who confirmed the advice I had already received. I am afraid it would be contrary to the usual practice to publish the report of this engineer. As my right hon. Friend is aware, the total cost of the works on this relatively small harbour has amounted to £35,500, towards which the contribution from the Development Fund amounts to £26,000.